Lucknow — The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Friday commemorated the 191st birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj with a solemn event held at the party’s state headquarters in Lucknow. The occasion was graced by SP National President and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who paid floral tribute to the portrait of the revered social reformer and reiterated the party’s commitment to social justice and constitutional values.
In his keynote address, Akhilesh Yadav hailed Shahuji Maharaj as a pioneer of social equity, recalling how on July 26, 1902, he implemented a reservation system in Kolhapur State to uplift the backward and marginalized sections of society. “Inspired by his legacy, the Samajwadi Party established the Constitution Pillar as a symbol of our respect for equality and justice,” Yadav stated.
“Constitution and Reservations Are Under Threat,” Says Yadav
Lashing out at the current BJP-led government, Yadav accused the ruling party of eroding constitutional values and targeting affirmative action policies. “The BJP is heartless. It neither respects the Constitution nor the spirit of social justice. Their NDA is not a coalition but a gang of negativity,” he said.
He alleged that discrimination, suppression of voices, and divisive politics have become commonplace under BJP rule. “They are pitting religion against religion, caste against caste. The voice of the oppressed is being silenced. PDA (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) communities are being humiliated,” he remarked.
‘PDA Is the True Voice of Social Justice’
Yadav further emphasized that Samajwadi Party’s PDA movement is rooted in the values of social reformers such as Gautam Buddha, Jyotiba Phule, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. “These icons opposed blind superstition and social discrimination. SP is walking on their path, committed to building a just and inclusive society,” he said.
He added, “Today, people are allowed to listen to the Bhagavad Gita but are not allowed to speak about it. That is the state of our democracy.”
SP Gears Up for 2027 Elections with PDA at the Core
Speakers at the event asserted that PDA communities will play a decisive role in the 2027 elections, which they termed as a “test of democracy.” Akhilesh Yadav, they said, embodies the principles of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, fighting relentlessly against injustice and for communal harmony. “The public trusts him to counter the politics of hate with unity and brotherhood.”
On the occasion, Yadav was also presented with a miniature statue of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj and other commemorative gifts in recognition of his contributions to the cause of social justice.
Attendees
The ceremony saw the participation of several prominent figures, including MPs R.K. Chaudhary, S.P. Singh Patel, former ministers Rajendra Chaudhary, Chandradev Ram Kareli, SP state president Shyam Lal Pal, MLAs R.K. Verma, Sandeep Patel, former MLA Arun Verma, professors Ravikant, Laxman Yadav, and other dignitaries such as VP Singh (former KGMU Registrar), KK Verma, DK Chaudhary (ex-DIG), international magician Ramrati Patel, and several legal and academic professionals.
A large gathering of party leaders, advocates, youth representatives, and supporters filled the venue, pledging to uphold the values of equality, justice, and social reform championed by Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj.
